Rotary table and pipe-gripping means therefor



Oct. 7,1930. F. STONEETAL 1,777,587.

ROTARY TABLE AND PIPE GRIPPIN'G MEANS THEREFOR Fild March 5, 1928 sShets-Sheet 1 Oct. 7, 1930.

ROTARY TABLE F. STONE ET AL 1,777,587 AND PIPE GR-IPPING MEANS THEREFORFiled March 3, 28 a Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Oct. 7, 1930 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE FREDERICK STONE AND ALBERT L. STONE, F GLENDALE,CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNORS '10 DO'HENY-STONE DRILL CO., OF LOS ANGELES,CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE ROTARY TABLE AND PIPE-GRIPPINGMEANS THEREFOR Application filed March 3, 1928. Serial No. 258,814.

This invention has to do with well drilling apparatus and is moreparticularly concerne with rotary tables and bushings therefor.

For reasons well nown to. those skilled in the art, it is customary toprovide bushin s for the axial bores of rotary tables, these bus ingscommonly being known as table bushings or master bushings, the bushingsin turn being adapted to take within their axial bores wedge slips,kelly bushings or other elements for imparting the drive of the table tothe work which extends through the bushing bore, the particular natureof the workencircling elements depending upon the individual nature ofthe Work in hand and the particular operation to be performed there- Asa feature of the invention, we have provided a novel type of kellybushings (that is, bushings having vertically extending axial v openingsof square cross-section and adapted to take square drill stem lengthswhich are commonly known as grief pipes or kellys) particularly wellsuited for use in con- 2 nection with rotary tables which are adapted tobe reciprocated vertically or controlled in such reciprocation. Whenusing this particular type of kellybushing, dependence may be had uponthe table only to rotate the drill stem, the wei ht of the drill stembeing taken by and the f eed of the bit being controlled through usualover-head tackle, the drill stem being adapted to pass downwardlythrough the bore of the kelly bushing as the drilling progresses.

However, upon occasions of power failure or line breakage in thehoisting tackle,- it is often essential that the string be picked up tolift the bit from bottom until repairs 4 have been made. With ahydraulicallyreciprocated'table in use, the kelly bushings here shownare adapted in such situations to take wedge slips whichgrippinglyengage the stem when the table is moved upwardly,

4 it following that the bit may be lifted from tackle.

bottom a distance equal to the stroke length of the table.

Furthermore, it is often desirable tov take some of the weight of thedrill stem on the table rather than impose it all on the bit, the tablebeing lowered under h draulic control to control the feed of the tooaccurately. In such situations the cable feed devices are dispensed withand the wedge slips are used to grip the pipe in a manner to prevent itsmovement downwardly through the kelly bushing and hence downwardly withrespect to the table. However, the com lementary angularity of thebushing bore an kelly gives the necessary rotary driving connection andit is therefore unnecessary that the slips engage thepipe in a manner toprevent its rotation with respect to the bushing, to obvious advantage.

It is also sometimes of advantageto use these slips in connection withthisparticular type of bushing when it is desired to apply even andforceful upward pressure to the drill stem while it is being rotated, aforce application which cannot be made with the requisite degree of easeand fineness of regulation through the use of ordinary hoisting Such anoccasion sometimes arises in coming out of bad hole or through certaintypes of formation, as is well understood by those skilled in the art.

How we accomplish the above may be pointed out to better advantage inconnection with the following detailed description, wherein furtherobjects and novel features of the invention will be madeapparent.Referof table bushing used in connection with our invention;

Fig. 4 is a section on line 4-4 of Fig. 3, but showing the locking \pinprojected to a different position;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one of the table bushing parts;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of kelly bushings which may be used inconection with the apparatus;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of the table showing a table bushingand kelly bushing in place;

Fig. 8 is a section on line 8-8 of Fig. 7 but showing additionall akelly or grief pipe associated with the mec anism together with wedgeslips interposed between the kelly bushing and kelly. It will beunderstood that these wedge slips are not always used, but they areshown in this view in order to eliminate repetitious illustrations;

Fig. 9 is a section on line 99 of Fig.7 but showin additionally thewedge slips illustrated in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a perspective View of one of the wedge slips; a

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary section on line H ll of Fig. 8; and

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section on line 12-12 of Fig. 11.

While, as mentioned above, the present invention may be embodied withadvantage in any type of rotary table and, at least as far as certainfeatures are concerned, with any type of elements carried by the tablebushing, for illustrative purposes we have shown the invention asembodied in a particular type of rotary table adapted to have aparticular type of driving connection with the work. While such anadaptation or embodiment of the invention is peculiarly effective, it isto be distinctly understood that this showing and description ofparticularities are not to be considered as limitative on the appendedclaims, except those which specifically call for these particularities.

The well drilling apparatus shown in Figs.

'1 and 2 may be briefly described as mcluding a main frame 10 made up ofupper and lower heads 11 and 12, respectively, which are spaced apart byvertical cylinders 13 through which pistons 14 are adapted to bereciprocated or controlled in their reciprocation by fluid admittedunder pressure to the cylinders as conventionally indicated at 15. Acircular, non-rotatable cross head 16, (of upwardly-opening cupformation) is carried at the upper ends of piston rods 17, and mountedfor rotation withinthe axial bore 18 (Fig. 8) of this head is rotarytable 19. The table has a depending annular flange 20 which fits withinthe upstanding flange of] head 16, the flange 20 having internal gearteeth 21 formed thereon. The table is rotated through the medium of apinion 22 the stem whereby table rotation imparts like movement to thestem. The drill stem is here indicated as a grief pipe or kelly 26 whichis of square cross-section (Fig. 8) having a vertically extending bore27 there through to accommodate circulating fluid in the usual manner.As stated above, however, it will be understood that all the features ofthe invention are not confined in their advantageous use by applicationto work having these particular characteristics.

The master or table bushing here generally indicated at 28 is adapted tobe taken within the table bore and may advantageously be of the formshown, though this showing is not to be considered as limitative on theinvention, considered in its broader aspects. Bush-- ing 28 ispreferably made up of two similar parts 28, each part including a sleeveportion 29, angular as viewed in plan, and an annular head portion 30.Preferably, though not necessarily, the sleeve portion has external,vertically extending ribs 31 which engage the faces of the table wallswhich define bore 19, (the opposed ribs 31 on the two parts meeting, asshown) thus centering the bushing sleeve in said bore, while headportion 30 is taken within the upwardly open- J ing counterbore 32provided in the table concentrically with bore 19.

While any suitable rotary drive connection may be made between the tableand bushupwardly facing shoulder 36 presented by the table at thejunction of its bore and counterbore, the limit of downward movement ofthe bushing with respect to the table thus being established.

Preferably, head portion 30 is cored out at intervals to providesegmental recesses or cavities)38, a particular recess 38 in one or eachof the bushing parts being utilized to contain a locking pin hereinafterdescribed, said pin and its actuating mechanism thus being 39 is an Ill. drives the work. It is desired to emphasize again the fact that theinvention, considered in its broader as ects, is not limited to theparticular type of circling means here illustrated. Bushing bore lar, asviewed in plan, the opposite bore-dc ning walls 40 inclining inwardlyand I downwardly towards the axis of the work,

and the adjacent opposite walls 41 extending substantially parallel withsaid axis. Preferably, though not necessarily, walls 41 are cut down andback at their upper ends as at 42 to provide upwardly facing shoulders43 spaced below but substantially parallel with the upper face of thebushing head.

The kelly bushing generally indicated at 44 is adapted to be droppedinto bore 39, this bushing preferabl being made up of two similar parts44 w ich, when placed together as in Fig. 6 give an assembly which isangular as viewed in plan and, in effect. is substantially complementaryto bore 39. Due to this complementary angularity it will be seen thatrotation of the table bushing imparts I bushing head 30.

like movement to the kelly bushing.

The opposite faces 45 of the kelly bushing are adapted to engage walls41 of the table bushing, while the adjacent, opposite faces 46 inclineinwardly and downwardly towards the work axis and engage table bushingfaces 40. While the inclination of faces 40 and 46 through the tablebushing. Rather, the upper ends of the kelly bushing have transverselyextending flanges 47 which are adapted to come to rest on shoulders 43,the relative dimensions preferably being such that the kelly bushing issup orted so its upper face comes substantially ush with the upper faceof The bore 51 of the assembled kelly bushing is angular as viewed inIan and o a size to take kelly 26 nicely, said elly being normallycapable of movement vertically through said of said bore and the bore,though the com lementary angularity l elly is adapted to impartrotational drive of said bushing to said kelly. When hoisting tackle isused the wedges shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are not employed with thekelly bushing but we will now proceed to a description of a situationwherein it may. be desirable to utilize these wedges. While rotation ofthe kelly is accomplished bushing-carried, work-en- 1 through tablerotation, control of the vertical movement of said kelly. can beaccomplished through usual overhead tackle (not shown). Should there bea failure in this hoisting and lowering mechanism it is highly desirablethat the kellybe lifted sufficiently to clear the bit from bottom andthen continuously reciprocate it while off bottom until repair has beenmade, as is well understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, incertain situations it is desirable that the table be utilized either totake part of the stem load and feed the bit downwardly or to apply anupward force to the drill stem, such situations havin been discussed inthe forepart ofthe specii ication. Accordingly, it is hi hly desirablethat thekelly bushing be 0 a type to take work-gripping members wherebythe stem may be supported by the table or whereby elevation of therotary table causes upward movement of the kelly.

For this purpose, the inner faces 53 at the upper ends of the boredefining walls 55 incline inwardly and downwardly frompointshorizontally offset from kelly 26. Wedge slips 5d, having work grippingfaces 57, may then be inserted within the taperingrecesses 58 defined bythe kelly and faces 53, it being apparent that when the table thereafteris hydraulically raised the slips are wedged tightly between the kellybushings and kelly, faces 57 engaging the kelly in a manner clamping, ineffect, said kelly to the table so said kelly is lifted along with saidtable. The wedge slips preferably are provided with handles 56 wherebythey may be lowered to and lifted from o erative osition.

Now it is highly desira le that means be provided for preventingaccidental upward displacement of the table bushing and kelly bushingwith respect to each other and with respectto the table, et the meansholding them down must be 0 a relatively simple na-' ture thoughyielding readily to manipulation and adjustment. It must be a sure lockand yet one readily releasable under wilful effort. It must be readilyaccessible for actuation and repair and yet must be protected. We haveprovided locking means having all these features. single locking memberfor holding the table bushing to the table and for holding the kellybushing or work encircling member to the table bushing. However, it willbe understood that consideringthe invention in its.

the table bushing has an independent locking pin, but since these pinsandtheir actuating As an additional feature, we utilizea Prefer .ably,though not necessarily, each part of carried by the intemediate element(the table bushing) and is adapted to be projected from either or bothsides thereof into locking engagement with the elements nestedtherewith.

In Figs. 4, 8, 11 and 12, one of the locking mechanisms is shown housedwithin one of the bushing recesses or cavities 38, this recess beingvertically defined by top wall 60 and bottom wall 61, respectively, ofhead 30 and horizontally defined by the vertical head walls 62 and 63. Ahorizontal locking pin 64 has bearing in walls 62 and 63, said wallshaving apertures 65 and 66, respectively, to take the pin. Aperture 65opens to bushing bore 39,.and aperture 66 is in horizontal alinementwith a socket 67 provided in table 16 and opening to counterbore 32. Pin64 is of such length that when it is moved to the position of Fig. 11its ends 68 and 69 project beyond the exposed faces of walls 62 and 63,respectively.

Pin 64 is adapted to be reciprocated horizontally through the medium ofa vertical actuating shaft 70 which has gear teeth 71 meshing with rackteeth 72 provided on one side of pin 64. Shaft 70 has bearing in walls60 and 61 at 73 and 74, respectively, being held from accidental upwarddisplacement by means of a keeper ring 75 screwed to top wall 60 andoverlying flange 76 on theshaft. The shaft has a wrench-taking head 77(or other suitable tool-taking formation) which head projects above thebushing top or is otherwise made accessible from outside re- Thus, themeans for actuating the locking pin is fully accessible to the workmenand yet the mechanism is housed so as to be well protected. It will beapparent that when shaft is'rotated through the application of asuitable tool, pin 64 is reciprocate-d horizontally.

The locking means is operated as follows: I

their ends 68 are at least flush with the outer faces of walls 62,sockets 67 being of a length to allow this retractive movement. Thekelly bushing is then dropped into the table bushing bore 39, and whenflanges 47 come to rest on shoulders 43, sockets 78 (Fig. 6) in the sidefaces of the kelly bushings are in alinement with the locking pins,shafts 70 are then operated to project the locking pins so their ends 68enter sockets 78, said pins then immediately overlying the upwardlyfacing shoulders 7 9 presented by lugs 80 in said sockets and thusprevent subsequent upward movement of the kelly bushing with respect tothe table bushing. However, the ends of pins 64 engage the verticallyextending shoulders 81, presented by lugs 80, before the pins have beenmoved sufliciently to clear ends 69 from sockets 67, it following thatwhen the pins are moved to the position of Figs. 8 or 11 the pins eachproject at opposite sides of the table bushing into locking engagementwith the table and the kelly bushing.

It will thus be seen that lugs 80 and hence, in effect, the kellybushing) provide limiting stops for the'pins to prevent accidental re- 1lease of the table bushing from the table during the operation oflocking the kelly bushing to the table bushing, and it will be seen thatbefore the table bushing can be removed from the table, it is firstnecessary to remove the kelly bushin To accomplish such removal pins 64are rst moved to the left, as viewed in Fig. 11, until they clear thekelly bushing, said bushing is withdrawn from bore 39, and then the pinsare moved to the right, as viewed in Fig. 11, until their ends 69 clearsocket 67, whereupon the table bushing may be lifted clear of the table.

It will be understood the drawings and description are to be consideredmerely as illustrative of and not restrictive on the broader claimsappended hereto, for variouschanges in design, structure and arrangementmay be made. without departing from the spirit and scope of said claims.

We claim:

1. -A drive bushing for rotary tables, said bushing having a verticalopening therethrough to take a square drill stem, a portion of saidopening near its lower end being shaped to engage opposite sides of thesquare drill stem, and a downwardly pointing wedge slip entered betweensaid stem and the bushing at a point above said portion.

2. A drive bushing for rotary tables, embodying a body portion having avertically extending opening therethrough, said opening being ofpolygonal cross section to substantially fit a polygonal drill stem,said bushing being cut back at one side of said opening to form a faceinclining inwardly and downwardly toward the work, and a downwardlypointing wedge slip entered in the space between the work'and saidinclined face.

3. A drive bushing for rotary tables, em-

bodying a body portion having a vertically stantially fit a polygonaldrill stem, said bushing being cut back at opposite sides of saidopening to form at each of said opposite sides a face inclining inwardlyand downwardly toward the work, and a pair of downwardly pointing wedgeslips entered one in each of the spaces between the work and saidinclined faces.

In witness that we claim the foregoing we have hereunto subscribed ournames this 25th day of January, 1928.

FREDERICK STONE. ALBERT L. STONE.

